Stilton United supremo is confident his side can last the pace at the top of the Peterborough Premier Division, plus all the PDFL award winners so far this season as Stanground Sports complete a double

Stilton United manager Chris Bartlett has seen enough to be confident his side are serious contenders for the Peterborough Premier Division title this season.
By Alan Swann
Published 20th Nov 2020, 12:02 BST
Action from the recent game between Stilton United (red) and Netherton United. Photo: David Lowndes.Action from the recent game between Stilton United (red) and Netherton United. Photo: David Lowndes.
Action from the recent game between Stilton United (red) and Netherton United. Photo: David Lowndes.

Stilton, who were fifth in Division One when the 2019-20 campaign was halted early, are the surprise early season table-toppers in the top flight after winning promotion on a points-per-game calculation.

They beat the fancied FC Parson Drove side 3-1 in their last top-flight outing before the current lockdown to open up a three point gap at the top.

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“I don’t believe anyone will run away with the league this season,” Bartlett said. “But I am confident we can challenge for the title.

“We have the right qualities. We have enough strength for me to be convinced we won’t get bullied when we go to places like Moulton Harrox and we can play.

“We have quality and we have pace. My one concern could be the strength in depth, but lockdown hasn’t come at a bad time for us as we had a couple of injuries.

“We beat Parson Drove at a canter which was very pleasing as we weren’t at full strength. Scoring first is always important against them as they have experienced players who would manage games well if they were in front.

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“The only defeat we’ve had was against Netherton when they surprised us by using the long ball a lot, but they haven’t won since which perhaps shows how much they put into our game.

“Moulton Harrox have obviously started the season very well and Holbeach Reserves played very well against us so there is danger everywhere.

“The best team we’ve faced this season is Uppingham, who haven’t started well, which proves the strength of the division this season.”

The Peterborough League hopes to re-start on December 5, three days after the expected end of the current lockdown period when Stilton are due to host Peterborough North End Sports.

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* Division Three promotion favourites Stanground Sports are the only team to have a 100% record in Peterborough League team of the month awards this season.

Award winners: Team of the month: Premier Division: September - Stilton United, October - Moulton Harrox. Division One: September - Wittering Premiair, October - Tydd FC. Division Two: September - Deeping Rangers Reserves, October -Ramsey Town. Division Three: September & October Stanground Sports. Division Four: September - Sawtry, October - Deeping United. Division Five: September - Sutton Bridge United, October - Thorpe Wood Rangers Reserves.

Respect awards: Premier Division: September - FC Parson Drove, October - Uppingham Town. Divisions One-Five: September - Long Sutton Athletic A, October - Glinton & Northborough.

Sportsmanship awards: September - Oundle Town, October - Huntingdon Town Development.

Referee awards: September - Anthony Leadbitter, October - Ben Woodward.